Summer break

Back on July 15!

Learning Blogs

I've just added the following blogs to my watch list and wanted to share that with you. I find them inspiring for our field.

http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/
http://www.connectivism.ca/blog/
http://www.digitalchalkie.com/
http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com/
http://informl.com/

The circle of learning

The learner is in control of what to learn, when and how. And according to the learner's needs and his or her learning style another format or activity might be appropriate. So far the theory, and it's not a new one.

In the image you'll see one way of putting this theory into practise: it is the navigator used within the IBM Learning Suites. It is a very visual learning compass that allows for summary or in depth study, practise, simulations, access to experts and tests all in one.

What makes a good e-learner?

In a survey of the Department of Instructional Technology's E-Learning Concepts and Techniques Spring 2006 online class, participants were asked to respond to “what factors and/or skills contribute to being a successful student in an e-learning class?” The responses included:
1. Self-discipline
2. Patience
3. Self-motivation
4. Communication
5. Asking questions
6. Knowledge of how e-learning works
7. Familiarity with the software
8. Time management
9. Ability to work independently
10. Ability to communicate with groups via distance
11. Active participation in the class
12. Being able to compromise and communicate effectively
13. Ability to multitask

How much for learning?

This clipping shows a table by De Vries & Bersin on how much different learning development projects cost and the time they take.

What do you put in an RFP for an LMS?

Finding a suitable Learning Management System (LMS) for your enterprise is a daunting, complex and time-consuming task. The world of LMSes continuously evolves and there are many, many vendors out there. Most companies go through a formal process of 'Request-For-Proposal' and a selection process. But what should you put in such an RFP?

Karl M. Kapp (2003) suggests the following general outline of an LMS Request-For-Proposal:
1- Overview of the project
2- Submission process and timeline
3- Selection criteria
4- Ownership statemen
5- Organisation of the proposal
6- Orientation of the business
7- Strategy that is supporting the e-learning initiative
8- Audience description
9- Delivery environment
10- Technology infrastructure
11- System parameters and requirements
12- Quality Assurance
13- Administration and maintenance
14- Implementation schedule
15- Available resources

John Gerald Theis recently finished his PhD thesis on LMS selection RFPs. He studied 25 RFP documents for structure, features asked for etc. You can download his thesis here. The last pages contain 100 RFP questions that you will probably find inspiring.

To ADDIE or not to ADDIE

We use the well known ADDIE model for learning content creation: Analysis, Design, Development, Integration/Implementation and Evaluation. Many other companies in the sector stick with it. It may not be the ideal model, but is has proven to work and to deliver results. Similar to the application development world, alternative models are suggested because the world evolves at an increasing pace and this model forms an obstacle.

I found a quote that describes my sentiments on 'ADDIE or not' quite well. It is by Marc Rosenberg.

It's like that old definition of democracy. It's the worst form of
government-except for all the other kinds. Instructional System Design (ISD) is
the best thing we have, if we use it correctly.

Making a learning strategy

Glen Memuth (2001) suggests one of 3 different approaches to develop a learning strategy for enterprise-wide e-learning:

a- Level1 - If your organisation has had little or no e-learning experience, the business case should be built either around an off-the-shelf generic product approach or a 'narrow and tall' problem focused approach.

b- Level2 - If your organisation has implemented two or more successful e-learning projects, consider building the business case around a problem-focused approach where content is more customised and offers problem-based skills practice through the use of simulations.

c- Level3 - Finally, if your organisation has implemented two or more successful e-learning projects where learning is problem-centered and simulation-based, your organisation may be ready to build a business case around an enterprise-wide solution. The focus of this level is collaboration through virtual group workspaces providing the opportunity to engage face-to-face with other learners in real work.

The new RELOAD has arrived

RELOAD is an extremely popular open source e-learning packaging tool. You cannot use it to create content, but you can use it to convert whatever content you have to a standard compliant SCORM package, complete with metadata and everything.

There is now a version available based on the open source development environment Eclipse, and the new version supports formats like: IMS MD (versions 1.1, 1.2.1 and 1.2.4) , IEEE LOM, IMS CP(versions 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.4) as well as SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004(3rd edition) specifications.